Sint Eustatius is a quiet Caribbean island known for volcano hikes and coral reefs. With no traffic lights and few crowds, it offers a calm escape for nature lovers, divers, and curious travelers looking for something different.

Sint Eustatius stays warm all year, but December to May is the best time: sunny days, low humidity, 26-30 °C, ideal for hiking The Quill or diving the reefs. June to November brings afternoon showers, greener trails, lower prices and fewer crowds with clear mornings most days.
December to May is the best time to visit Sint Eustatius.
Sint Eustatius has one main place to stay. Its capital, Oranjestad, is the center of island life and the only town, divided into Upper Town and Lower Town.
Lower Town offers waterfront bars, dive centers, and beach access, while Upper Town has historic charm, local shops, and rooftop views. You’ll find mid-range hotels, cozy guesthouses, and apartments near the harbor in both areas.
Best for: divers, history lovers, couples
Why stay here: walk to Fort Oranje, dive sites, cafes and sunset drinks in minutes
Sint Eustatius is one of the safest Caribbean islands for travelers in 2025. Violent crime is nearly nonexistent, and petty theft is rare in tourist areas like Oranjestad. Locals are welcoming, and the island has strong community oversight. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1: exercise normal precautions, the lowest travel advisory. As always, keep valuables secure in public areas and avoid isolated spots at night.
Sint Eustatius is rated Level 1 by the U.S. State Department, meaning travelers should simply exercise normal precautions.
Sint Eustatius mixes volcano hikes, top diving and colonial history. These are the three must-do activities for 2026.
The Quill is Sint Eustatius’ dormant volcano and the island’s signature hike. Trails lead to the rim or into the crater through dense rainforest with bird calls and sweeping views. Most hikers finish the round trip in 2 to 4 hours.
Sint Eustatius National Marine Park protects over 30 dive sites with shipwrecks, healthy coral reefs and frequent turtle sightings. Shore dives start from the beach while boat trips reach deeper pinnacles. Dive schools in Oranjestad offer gear and courses for all levels.
Fort Oranje is a 17th century cliff top fortress overlooking Oranjestad and the Caribbean Sea. Cannons, stone walls and quiet paths make it a peaceful history stop. Sunset views from the ramparts complete the experience.
Nightlife in Sint Eustatius is relaxed and lowkey, with no club scene or busy bar streets. Instead, you'll find a handful of local spots where evenings are spent with cold drinks, music, and ocean views. These three areas offer the island’s best atmosphere after dark.
Sint Eustatius is a small volcanic island in the northeastern Caribbean, part of the Dutch Caribbean near St. Kitts and Saba. It lies 17 km southeast of Saba and 60 km west of St. Kitts. The island covers 21 km² with the capital Oranjestad on the west coast. Flights land at F.D. Roosevelt Airport, a 10-minute drive from town.
Local honey is produced from bees in the island’s national park.
Fort Oranje was never conquered, despite years of colonial conflict.
There are no traffic lights, and Oranjestad is the only town, split into Upper and Lower sections.
Once the busiest port in the Caribbean, Sint Eustatius was nicknamed the “Golden Rock” in the 18th century.